Call for calm follows arson attempt
BALLYCLARE MLA Paul Girvan has called for calm after an attempted arson attack on a property in the Rashee Grove area of the town.
At around 10.30pm on Monday night (November 5) two men dressed in black were seen entering the rear of a vacant property in the social housing development and setting light to a petrol container they had placed on top of a shed.
Residents said they saw a blast of orange flame light up the area shortly before the police and Fire Service arrived.
The damage was contained to slight scorch marks on the side of the shed. It’s believed no one was in the property at the time of the incident.
MLA Paul Girvan has called for calm, he said: “It is the responsibility of the authorities to deal with anti-social problems in the area.
“Someone tried to set a fire here and once they do that they have no say in how it behaves, this was very dangerous and could have spread to homes in the area.
“We have a real need for social housing in Ballyclare and we do not want to lose what little amount we already have.
“People need to sit back and clam down and allow the relevant authorities to do their work.”
A spokesman for Fold Housing Association, which operates the site said: “Fold has been working to address any issues of anti social behaviour and would confirm that recent issues in the Rashee Grove area have now been resolved.”
Fire crews from Ballyclare and Glengormley attended the scene just after 10.30pm and the matter was dealt with by 11pm.
Police have appealed for information on 0845 600 8000 and information about crime can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Thursday 20 June 2013
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